Drapion

<p>Drapion is certainly an odd Pokemon. With 70 / 110 / 75 defenses, Drapion is pretty bulky, especially since it only has one weakness. With a movepool that consists of Toxic Spikes, Taunt, and Whirlwind, Drapion can be a great supporter for a team. Offensive sets are also viable, as it has good base 90 Attack and base 95 Speed stats, as well as Swords Dance to become a powerful sweeper. However, Drapion has its faults. First of all, with no reliable recovery, Drapion cannot tank the onslaughts in the UU metagame for long. In addition, with Sableye and its priority Will-O-Wisp roaming the tier, Drapion is prone to status. Nevertheless, with all the benefits Drapion can bring, it should always be considered when making a team.</p>

<p>With above-average defenses and just one weakness, Drapion can pull off a supportive set quite well. Drapion can easily set up a layer of Toxic Spikes before switching out, which can break apart offensive teams or wear down stall teams. With Taunt, Drapion can stop opponents, especially Bronzong and Hippopotas, from setting up hazards. Whirlwind helps phaze opponents or spread poison after Toxic Spikes are laid. Finally, Crunch prevents Drapion from becoming Taunt bait in addition to hitting Roserade hard, should it come in to absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>With a Careful nature and maximum Special Defense, Drapion becomes a special tank, able to take many attacks that are not super effective. Alternatively, an EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Imprish nature can be used to maximize Drapion's Defense instead. Another choice is to run an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature; this can be used so Drapion outspeeds faster threats, such as Spikes Roserade, allowing it to Taunt Roserade before more hazards are set up. This also makes Drapion a fast Toxic Spikes user, which is very useful in setting up hazards before being Taunted, or using Taunt on defensive Pokemon becfore they can set up, such as Deoxys-D. It also has the benefit of going first with Whirlwind, ifit faces another phazer. <space>Knock Off can be useful to get rid of items as opposing Pokemon switch into Drapion. Rest is also nice to use if your team includes a cleric, such as Miltank or Shaymin. However, as this can be very risky, Wish support is another way to keep Drapion's health up. Earthquake can also be viable on this set, though it won't do much outside of hitting Fire-types, such as Arcanine, harder.</p>

<p>Togekiss makes a great partner, as it can switch into Ground-type attacks with impunity and obliterate Steel-types with Fire Blast. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. Furthermore, a spinblocker such as Dusclops or Mismagius works well with Drapion, as it allows Drapion to keep the hazards it sets up. Also, both Dusclops and Mismagius can use Will-O-Wisp to weaken the opponent's Pokemon,allowing Drapion to take even more hits.</p>

<p>With decent offensive stats, Drapion can pull off an attacking set to great effect. Pursuit is the main reason for an offensive Drapion, as it can nail Pokemon such as Deoxys-D for good damage as they switch out. Earthquake hits Steel-type Pokemon, such as Bisharp and Empoleon super effectively, while Aqua Tail hits Ground-type and Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H and Nidoking. Finally, the last slot depends on what the team needs Drapion to accomplish. Crunch gives Drapion a solid STAB attack, which means it doesn't have to rely on Pursuit for STAB; however, Drapion can get at least one layer of Toxic Spikes before being forced to switch out, which is useful for breaking teams down—it also facilitates its teammates' sweeps. It can also be used to fake a defensive set, which might result in a surprise KO.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Sniper is the preferred ability for offensive Drapion, as the increased critical hit ratio is useful when trying to sweep a team. Also, to ensure that a Drapion sweep is easier to accomplish, Attack and Speed are maximized to deal as much damage as possible. The choice of item should depend on the team. Choice Band is useful as it provides a greater power boost than Life Orb does, making it a great stallbreaker. However, Life Orb allows Drapion to switch moves, which works well on more offensive teams that try to hit the opponent as fast as possible. Taunt can be used on the Life Orb set to prevent opponents from inflicting status on Drapion, making a sweep easier.</p>

<p>Both Drapion variants need support. Entry hazards help soften up the opposing team, making it easier for Drapion to nab KOs. Pokemon with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy, such as Clefable and Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well, as they can cure Drapion of status inflicted by Pokemon such as Prankster Sableye. Hitmontop can be problematic too, as it has Intimidate to cut Drapion's Attack, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards. As such, a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. Milotic and Tangrowth are problems for this set.; therefore, Shaymin and Roserade are great partners, as they can check Milotic, and Roserade has STAB Sludge Bomb to beat Tangrowth. Pokemon such as Suicune and Azumarill, who check Ground-type Pokemon are also helpful. Fire-type Pokemon such as Rotom-H also work well with Drapion, as they destroy Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble.

<p>With great offensive capabilities, Drapion can also pull off a Swords Dance set very efficiently. After a Swords Dance, Drapion hits 558 Attack, which is enough power to pull off a sweep. Crunch is a reliable STAB attack that has great coverage in the UU metagame, hitting the many Psychic-type and Ghost-type Pokemon in the tier super effectively. Earthquake has great coverage along with Crunch, as it eliminates the Steel-type Pokemon that resist Crunch, such as Bisharp. The last moveslot is up to what Drapion needs to accomplish. Aqua Tail hits Ground-type Pokemon such as Krookodile and Rhyperior hard, which is crucial as both of these Pokemon can OHKO Drapion. However, Taunt can stop opposing Pokemon, such as Bronzong, from setting up on Drapion while avoiding status, which makes its sweep easier.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Like the physical attacker set, Sniper is the preferred ability for Swords Dance Drapion, as the increased critical hit ratio is useful when trying to sweep a team. Again, Attack and Speed are maximized so Drapion can deal as much damage as possible. After a Swords Dance, Life Orb increases Drapion's damage output, which is useful when Drapion attempts a sweep.</p>

<p>Drapion becomes a great sweeper after a Swords Dance; however, it still needs support to make a sweep easier. A way to get rid of opposing Ground-type Pokemon, such as Flygon and Choice Scarf Krookodile, greatly benefits Drapion. As such, Suicune, Azumarill, Shaymin, and Roserade, all make good teammates. Roserade, in particular, can set up Spikes to soften up the opponent's team. Speaking of entry hazards, Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock also make great partners for Swords Dance Drapion. Bronzong is a great example, as it is immune to Ground-type attacks, and can set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H, work well with Drapion too, as their STAB moves incinerate Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble. Again, clerics such as Clefable or Lanturn are necessary, as they can heal Drapion of status. Alternatively, a Pokemon with Guts, such as Heracross, or a ResTalk user, such as Dusclops, can come in and absorb status thrown in Drapion's direction; Heracross gets a special mention, as it can use the Guts boost to heavily damage the opponent, especially since Prankster Sabelye is very annoying to Drapion. Hitmontop also a problem, so having a Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mew to check it is also a great teammate to have.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Drapion doesn't get many other viable options aside from those already listed. Poison Jab and Cross Poison are two Poison-type STAB attacks Drapion can use; however, Poison has very poor offensive coverage, and it doesn't help beat anything that Drapion's other attacks can't. Scope Lens can be used to abuse Sniper; this also makes Night Slash a viable alternative over Crunch. However, relying on critical hits isn't exactly a reliable tactic. Acupressure can be used to raise a random stat by two stages, but Swords Dance is more reliable as it always raises Drapion's Attack. Air Balloon can be used to help remedy Drapion's lone weakness to Ground, but once it's popped, Drapion will be left without an item for the rest of the match. A Sleep Talk set can be used, especially since Drapion has no reliable way to heal itself, but Drapion isn't bulky enough to pull it off. Finally, a Choice Scarf can be used to turn Drapion into a revenge killer, but base 90 Attack generally isn't powerful enough.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Drapion has quite a few checks and counters it must usually run from. Ground-type Pokemon—especially Krookodile, who resists Drapion's Dark-type STAB—can easily OHKO Drapion with their STAB Ground-type attacks. However, Ground-type Pokemon should take caution when switching into offensive Drapion, as the right coverage move can deal a lot of damage to them. Steelix takes little damage even from Earthquake, and can either phaze Drapion out with Dragon Tail or Roar or directly attack it with Earthquake. Rhyperior fears Aqua Tail, but can OHKO Drapion with Earthquake. Sableye can use Taunt to break down the defensive set or Will-O-Wisp to shut down offensive ones. Weezing and Spiritomb both take little damage from Drapion's attacks and can use Will-O-Wisp to burn Drapion; however, they must be wary of Taunt. Hitmontop can use Rapid Spin to clear any hazards Drapion sets up, and has Intimidate to lower Drapion's Attack. Finally, Bronzong takes little damage from any attack, and can attack Drapion with either Earthquake or STAB Gyro Ball.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Keen Eye is useless on Drapion; Battle Armor and Sniper are the superior abilities.</p>

Toxic Spikes on the Choice Band set, really? Why not Aqua Tail as the main slash, or even Return? I'd definitely mention Poison Jab in AC too. Also, is a Rest-Talk set with Whirlwind and an attack move still viable this gen? I reckon it will be worth a try.

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't realise at first this had been taken over because there was no tag in the title. My apologies.

I think Toxic Spikes was used because, even with a Choice item, it doesn't impede Drapion too much. It means it can come in, force something out and get a free layer or two up whilst the opponent responds with a defensive check, letting you switch out afterwards and keep the momentum. The general utility here is probably more useful than a coverage option like Aqua Tail in my opinion, unless you have serious problems with Rhyperior.

What erik said. It's like the Ferrothorn Choice Band set on-site, while people try to find a check, you can set up a free layer of spikes, and when checks switch in, you're likey to switch anyways, so setting up hazards will be useful in the longrun.

And yea, this was taken over, hence why there is no overview/anything else. Like i said, will finish when i get home from pratice today

You should probably mention that Fire-types make good teammates as they can blast their way through Steel-types (especially Bronzong--definitely mention it as a counter) and Weezing. Well, they can switch into Will-O-Wisp; mention Flash Fire users. Entry hazard support should be mentioned on offensive sets, as Drapion needs the opponent to be weakened, it isn't a major powerhouse. Drapion needs Wish support on the defensive set to keep it alive longer, and it definitely helps considering it's vulnerable to all entry hazards. Mention a status absorber or cleric as well; with Prankster Sableye in the tier, Drapion is VERY vulnerable to burns. Mention Natural Cure, Heal Bell, Hydration, whatever, but make sure it's emphasized.

I think the SD set should be left alone, and the CB and all out attacker sets should be merged. You use sets with Pursuit for entirely different reasons than you use sets with Swords Dance, they should be separate. On the other hand, there isn't much difference at all between using CB or LO as an item, which is the only real difference I see in those sets.

[Overview]<one space>
<p>Drapion is certainly an odd Pokemon of sorts. With 70 / 110 / 75 defenses, Drapion is pretty bulky, especially since it only has one weakness. Also, wWith a movepool that consists of Toxic Spikes, Taunt, and Whirlwind, Drapion can be a great supporter for a team. Also, oOffensive sets are also viable, as it has good base 90 Attack and base 95 Speed and Swords Dance turns Drapion intostats, as well as Swords Dance to become a powerful sweeper. However, Drapion has its faults;. First of all, with no realiable recovery, Drapion has no way to survivecannot tank the onslaughts in the UU metagame. Also, with Pokemon such as Sabelye roaming the tier with for long. Additionally, with Sableye and its priority Will-O-Wisp roaming the tier, Drapion is prone to status. Nevertheless, with all the merbenefits Drapion can provide for abring to your team, it should always be thought aboutconsidered when making a team.</p>

<p>With above -average defenses and just one weakness, Drapion can easily pull off a supportive set. Drapion can easily set up a lazardyer of Toxic Spikes before switching out, which can break apart Ooffensive teams or wear down stall teams. With Taunt, Drapion can stop opposing set up, especially from Pokemon such as Bronzong and Hippopotas, which usually try to set up hazards on Drapionnents, especially Bronzong and Hippopotas, from setting up hazards. Whirlwind to helps phaze opponents or spread poison viaafter Toxic Spikes are laid. Finally, Crunch is used soprevents Drapion isn't Taunt bait. It also has the ability tfrom becoming Taunt bait, and also hits Roserade hard as it tries toshould it come in andto absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Knock Off can be useful to get rid of items as Pokemon try to switch into Drapion, which is useful. Rest is also nice to use if you have a Pokemon with Aromatherapy or Heal Bell Pokemon on your team such as Miltank or Shaymin; however, this is very risky, using Wish support helps as to keep Drapion's health up. Earthquake can also be viable for this set, though it won't do much for Drapion outside of hitting Pokemon such as Arcanine harder.</p>

<p><explain item choice, ability, ev, nature.> An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spde with a Jolly nature can be used so Drapion outspeeds faster threats, such as Spikes Roserade, allowing it to Taunt Roserade before more hazards are set up, t. This also makes Drapion a fast Toxic Spiker, which is very useful. Wish Support and Rapid Spin support works great with the Defensive set, making Drapion live longer. <very vague, elaborate more on the advantages>. Knock Off can be useful to get rid of items as opposing Pokemon switch into Drapion. Rest is also nice to use if your team includes a cleric, such as Miltank or Shaymin. However, as this can be very risky, Wish support is another way to keep Drapion's health up. Earthquake can also be viable on this set, though it won't do much outside of hitting Fire-types, such as Arcanine, harder.</p>

<p>Togekiss makes a great partner, as it can switch into Ground-type attacks, and deals with Steel-types with Fire Blast. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin for spinningto remove hazards, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. <a spinblocker, perhaps?></p>

<p>With decent Ooffensive stats, Drapion can pull off an offensiveattacking set to great effect. Pursuit is the main reason that you’re usingfor an offensive setDrapion, as it can nail Pokemon as they try to switch out, such as Deoxys-Dsuch as Deoxys-D for good damage as they switch out. Earthquake hits the Steel-types in UU Bisharp and Empoleon. super effectively, while Aqua Tail hits Ground-type and Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H and Nindoking. Finally, the last slot is up todepends on what the team needs Drapion to accomplish. With Crunch, you have a solid STAB attack that means you don’t have to use gives Drapion a solid STAB attack, which means it doesn't have to rely on Pursuit for a STAB attack; however, using Toxic Spikes means that you canDrapion can get at least get one layer of hazardToxic Spikes before being forced to switch out, which is useful for breaking teams down, and making other Pokemon sweeps easierfacilitates its teammates' sweeps. It can also be used to fake a Ddefensive set, which plays as a nice surprise when gettmight result ing a surprise KO.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p> Taunt can be used to stop Pokemon from setting up, while also avoiding status, making a Drapion sweep easier. Milotic and Tangrowth are problems for this set, meaning that Pokemon that can stop these two are useful; Shaymin and Roserade therefore are great partners, as they can check Milotic, and Roserade has STAB Sludge Bomb to beat Tangrowth. Checks to Ground-type Pokemon are also helpful; Suicune and Azumarill make great partners, as they can help clear out Ground-type Pokemon. Fire-type Pokemon such as Rotom-H also work well with Drapion, hitting Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble.</p>

<p>The choice between Choice Band or Life Orb is one thats is based of the team. Choice Band is useful as it hits harder than a Life Orb verient, however Life Orb works as you can switch moves, which is good for Drapion espcially with base 95 speed. However, both verients need support, entry hazards help soften up the opposing team, making a Drapion sweep easier. Pokemon with Heal Bell, such as Clefable or Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well as they can come in and absorb status, since Prankster Sabelye lurks around the tier. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin for spinning Toxic Spikes, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful.</p><explain ability choice, ev, nature.> The choice of item should depend on the team. Choice Band is useful as it provides a greater power boost than Life Orb does, but Life Orb allows Drapion to switch moves <how does this depend on the team?> Taunt can be used on the Life Orb set to prevent opponents from inflicting status on Drapion, making a sweep easier. <change it back if you want, but I can't really imagine opponents setting up on an attacking drapion..? if they do, then likely drapion has no business staying in at all.></p>

<p>However, both variants need support. Entry hazards help soften up the opposing team, making it easier for Drapion to nab KOs. Pokemon with Heal Bell, such as Clefable and Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well, as they can cure Drapion of status inflicted by Pokemon such as Prankster Sableye. Hitmontop can be problematic too, as it has Intimidate to cut Drapion's Attack, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, making a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop useful <please don't repeat word-for word; rephrase your information> Milotic and Tangrowth are problems for this set. Shaymin and Roserade therefore are great partners, as they can check Milotic, and Roserade has STAB Sludge Bomb to beat Tangrowth. Checks to Ground-type Pokemon, such as Suicune and Azumarill, are also helpful. Fire-type Pokemon such as Rotom-H also work well with Drapion, as they destroy Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble.

<p>With great offensive capabilities, Drapion can also pull off a Swords Dance set very effiecciently. After a Swords Dance, Drapion hits 558 Attack, which is enough power to pull of a sweep. Crunch is a reliable STAB attack that has great coverage in the UU metagame, hitting the many Psychic-type and Ghost-type Pokemon in the tier super effectively. Earthquake has great coverage along with Crunch, hittingas it eliminates the Steel-type Pokemon that resist Crunch, such as Bisharp. The last moveslot is up to what Drapion needs to accomplish. Aqua Tail hits Ground-type Pokemon such as Krookodile and Rhyperior hard, which is crucial for Drapion as both of these Pokemon can OHKO Drapion. However, Taunt can stop opposing set up on DrapiPokemon, such as Bronzong, from setting up on Drapion, as well a avoiding status, which helps makes a Drapion sweep easier.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p><explain item choice, ability, ev, nature.></p>

<p>Drapion becomes a great sweeper after a Swords Dance,; however, it still needs support to make a sweep easier. A way to get rid of opposing Ground-type Pokemon, such as Flygon and Choice Scarf Krookodile, make great teammates for Drapion;greatly benefits Drapion. As such, Suicune and, Azumarill help to check these Pokemon, as well as, Shaymin, and Roserade, especially Roserade, as itall make good teammates. Roserade in particular can set up Spikes to weakensoften up the opponent's team. Speaking of entry hazards, Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock also make great partners for Swords Dance Drapion,. Bronzong is a great example, as it is immune to Ground-type attacks, and can set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H, work well with Drapion as well, as they hittoo, as their STAB moves incinerate Steel-type Pokemon that gives Drapion trouble. <reword the rest of this paragraph>Pokemon with Heal Bell, such as Clefable or Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well as they can come in and absorb status <to nitpick: they cure drapion of status, not exactly absorb it per se. a guts pokemon or a resttalker would 'absorb' it.>, since Prankster Sabelye lurks around the tier. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin for spinning Toxic Spikes, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>Drapion doesn't get muchany other viable options notaside from those already listed. Poison Jab and Cross Poison are two Poison-type STAB attacks Drapion can use,; however, Poison has very poor coverage, and doesn't help beat anything that Drapion's other attacks can't. Scope Lens can be used to abuse Sniper, as well as making; this also makes Night Slash a viable alternative over Crunch, though. However, relying on critical hits isn't that reliable a tactic. Acupressure can be used to raise a random stat by two stages, thoughbut Swords Dance is more reliable as it always raises Drapion's Attack. Air Balloon can be used to help remedy Drapion's lone weakness to Ground, howeverbut once it's poopped, you'rll be left without an itemless Drapion for the rest of the match. A Sleep Talk set can be used, especially since Drapion has no reliable way to heal its health, thoughelf, but Drapion isn't bulky enough to pull it off. Finally, a Choice Scarf can be used to turn Drapion into a revenge killer, but 90 base 90 Attack generally isn't powerful enough to use Drapion as a revenge killer.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Drapion has quite a few Cchecks and Ccounters to be afraid offit must usually run from. Ground-type Pokemon, —especially Krookodile, whicho resists Drapion's Dark-type STAB, —can easily OHKO Drapion with their STAB Ground-type attacks. However, Ground-type Pokemon will needshould take caution when switching into Drapion's offensive setsDrapion, as the right coverage move can deal a lot of damage to them. Steelix takes little damage even from Earthquake, and it can either phaze itDrapion out with Dragon Tail or Roar, or attack it with Earthquake. Rhyperior just needs to fear Aqua Tail, however, if Drapion doesn't havefears Aqua Tail, ibut can OHKO itDrapion with Earthquake. Sabelleye can use Taunt to break down the defensive set, while using or Will-O-Wisp to shut down offensive ones. Weezing and Spiritomb take little damage from Drapion's attacks, and both can use Will-O-Wisp to burdn Drapion. However, both must be wary of Taunt. Hitmontop can spin away any hazards Drapion sets up, and has Intimidate to lower Drapion's aAttack. Finally, Bronzong takes little damage from any attack, and can either attack it wDrapion with either Earthquake or STAB Gyro Ball.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Keen Eye is useless on Drapion, Battle Armour and Sniper are the superior abilities.</p>

<p>Drapion is certainly an odd Pokemon of sorts. With 70 / 110 / 75 defenses, Drapion is pretty bulky, especially since it only has one weakness. With a movepool that consists of Toxic Spikes, Taunt, and Whirlwind, Drapion can be a great supporter for a team. Offensive sets are also viable, as it has good base 90 Attack and base 95 Speed stats, as well as Swords Dance to become a powerful sweeper. However, Drapion has its faults. First of all, with no reliable recovery, Drapion cannot tank the onslaughts in the UU metagame for long. Additionally, with Sableye and its priority Will-O-Wisp roaming the tier, Drapion is prone to status. Nevertheless, with all the benefits Drapion can bring to your team, it should always be considered when making a team.</p>

<p>With above-average defenses and just one weakness, Drapion can easily pull off a supportive set. Drapion can easily set up a layer of Toxic Spikes before switching out, which can break apart offensive teams or wear down stall teams. With Taunt, Drapion can stop opponents, especially Bronzong and Hippopotas, from setting up hazards. Whirlwind helps phaze opponents or spread poison after Toxic Spikes are laid. Finally, Crunch prevents Drapion from becoming Taunt bait, and also hits Roserade hard should it come in to absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p><explain item choice, ability, ev, nature.> An EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used so Drapion outspeeds faster threats, such as Spikes Roserade, allowing it to Taunt Roserade before more hazards are set up. This also makes Drapion a fast Toxic Spiker, which is very useful <very vague, elaborate more on the advantages>. Knock Off can be useful to get rid of items as opposing Pokemon switch into Drapion. Rest is also nice to use if your team includes a cleric, such as Miltank or Shaymin. However, as this can be very risky, Wish support is another way to keep Drapion's health up. Earthquake can also be viable on this set, though it won't do much outside of hitting Fire-types, such as Arcanine, harder.</p>

<p>Togekiss makes a great partner, as it can switch into Ground-type attacks, and deals with Steel-types with Fire Blast. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. <a spinblocker, perhaps?></p>

<p>With decent offensive stats, Drapion can pull off an attacking set to great effect. Pursuit is the main reason for an offensive Drapion, as it can nail Pokemon such as Deoxys-D for good damage as they switch out. Earthquake hits the Steel-types Bisharp and Empoleon super effectively, while Aqua Tail hits Ground-type and Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H and Nidoking. Finally, the last slot depends on what the team needs Drapion to accomplish. Crunch gives Drapion a solid STAB attack, which means it doesn't have to rely on Pursuit for STAB; however, Drapion can get at least one layer of Toxic Spikes before being forced to switch out, which is useful for breaking teams down, and facilitates its teammates' sweeps. It can also be used to fake a defensive set, which might result in a surprise KO.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p><explain ability choice, ev, nature.> The choice of item should depend on the team. Choice Band is useful as it provides a greater power boost than Life Orb does, but Life Orb allows Drapion to switch moves <how does this depend on the team?> Taunt can be used on the Life Orb set to prevent opponents from inflicting status on Drapion, making a sweep easier. <change it back if you want, but I can't really imagine opponents setting up on an attacking drapion..? if they do, then likely drapion has no business staying in at all.></p>

<p>However, both variants need support. Entry hazards help soften up the opposing team, making it easier for Drapion to nab KOs. Pokemon with Heal Bell, such as Clefable and Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well, as they can cure Drapion of status inflicted by Pokemon such as Prankster Sableye. Hitmontop can be problematic too, as it has Intimidate to cut Drapion's Attack, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, making a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop useful <please don't repeat word-for word; rephrase your information> Milotic and Tangrowth are problems for this set. Shaymin and Roserade therefore are great partners, as they can check Milotic, and Roserade has STAB Sludge Bomb to beat Tangrowth. Checks to Ground-type Pokemon, such as Suicune and Azumarill, are also helpful. Fire-type Pokemon such as Rotom-H also work well with Drapion, as they destroy Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble.

<p>With great offensive capabilities, Drapion can also pull off a Swords Dance set very efficiently. After a Swords Dance, Drapion hits 558 Attack, which is enough power to pull of a sweep. Crunch is a reliable STAB attack that has great coverage in the UU metagame, hitting the many Psychic-type and Ghost-type Pokemon in the tier super effectively. Earthquake has great coverage along with Crunch, as it eliminates the Steel-type Pokemon that resist Crunch, such as Bisharp. The last moveslot is up to what Drapion needs to accomplish. Aqua Tail hits Ground-type Pokemon such as Krookodile and Rhyperior hard, which is crucial as both of these Pokemon can OHKO Drapion. However, Taunt can stop opposing Pokemon, such as Bronzong, from setting up on Drapion, as well avoid status, which makes a Drapion sweep easier.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p><explain item choice, ability, ev, nature.></p>

<p>Drapion becomes a great sweeper after a Swords Dance; however, it still needs support to make a sweep easier. A way to get rid of opposing Ground-type Pokemon, such as Flygon and Choice Scarf Krookodile, greatly benefits Drapion. As such, Suicune, Azumarill, Shaymin, and Roserade, all make good teammates. Roserade in particular can set up Spikes to soften up the opponent's team. Speaking of entry hazards, Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock also make great partners for Swords Dance Drapion. Bronzong is a great example, as it is immune to Ground-type attacks, and can set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H, work well with Drapion too, as their STAB moves incinerate Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble. <reword the rest of this paragraph> Pokemon with Heal Bell, such as Clefable or Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well as they can come in and absorb status <to nitpick: they cure drapion of status, not exactly absorb it per se. a guts pokemon or a resttalker would 'absorb' it.>, since Prankster Sabelye lurks around the tier. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin for spinning Toxic Spikes, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. </p>

[Other Options]

<p>Drapion doesn't get many other viable options aside from those already listed. Poison Jab and Cross Poison are two Poison-type STAB attacks Drapion can use; however, Poison has very poor coverage, and doesn't help beat anything that Drapion's other attacks can't. Scope Lens can be used to abuse Sniper; this also makes Night Slash a viable alternative over Crunch. However, relying on critical hits isn't that reliable a tactic. Acupressure can be used to raise a random stat by two stages, but Swords Dance is more reliable as it always raises Drapion's Attack. Air Balloon can be used to help remedy Drapion's lone weakness to Ground, but once it's popped, you'll be left with an itemless Drapion for the rest of the match. A Sleep Talk set can be used, especially since Drapion has no reliable way to heal itself, but Drapion isn't bulky enough to pull it off. Finally, a Choice Scarf can be used to turn Drapion into a revenge killer, but base 90 Attack generally isn't powerful enough.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Drapion has quite a few checks and counters it must usually run from. Ground-type Pokemon—especially Krookodile, who resists Drapion's Dark-type STAB—can easily OHKO Drapion with their STAB Ground-type attacks. However, Ground-type Pokemon should take caution when switching into offensive Drapion, as the right coverage move can deal a lot of damage to them. Steelix takes little damage even from Earthquake, and can either phaze Drapion out with Dragon Tail or Roar, or attack it with Earthquake. Rhyperior fears Aqua Tail, but can OHKO Drapion with Earthquake. Sableye can use Taunt to break down the defensive set or Will-O-Wisp to shut down offensive ones. Weezing and Spiritomb take little damage from Drapion's attacks, and both can use Will-O-Wisp to burn Drapion. However, both must be wary of Taunt. Hitmontop can spin away any hazards Drapion sets up, and has Intimidate to lower Drapion's Attack. Finally, Bronzong takes little damage from any attack, and can attack Drapion with either Earthquake or STAB Gyro Ball.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Keen Eye is useless on Drapion, Battle Armor and Sniper are the superior abilities.</p>

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[Overview]

<p>Drapion is certainly an odd Pokemon of sorts. With 70 / 110 / 75 defenses, Drapion is pretty bulky, especially since it only has one weakness. With a movepool that consists of Toxic Spikes, Taunt, and Whirlwind, Drapion can be a great supporter for a team. Offensive sets are also viable, as it has good base 90 Attack and base 95 Speed stats, as well as Swords Dance to become a powerful sweeper. However, Drapion has its faults. First of all, with no reliable recovery, Drapion cannot tank the onslaughts in the UU metagame for long. AIn additionally, with Sableye and its priority Will-O-Wisp roaming the tier, Drapion is prone to status. Nevertheless, with all the benefits Drapion can bring to your team, it should always be considered when making a team.</p>

<p>With above- average defenses and just one weakness, Drapion can easily pull off a supportive set quite well. Drapion can easily set up a layer of Toxic Spikes before switching out, which can break apart offensive teams or wear down stall teams. With Taunt, Drapion can stop opponents, especially Bronzong and Hippopotas, from setting up hazards. Whirlwind helps phaze opponents or spread poison after Toxic Spikes are laid. Finally, Crunch prevents Drapion from becoming Taunt bait, and also hits in addition to hitting Roserade hard, should it come in to absorb Toxic Spikes.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>With a Careful nature and maximum Special Defense, Drapion becomes a special tank, as it can take many nonble to take many attacks that are not super- effective hits. A. Alternatively, an EV Sspread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Imprish nature can be used to maximize Drapion's dDefense. Also, instead. Another choice is to run an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature; this can be used so Drapion outspeeds faster threats, such as Spikes Roserade, allowing it to Taunt Roserade before more hazards are set up. This also makes Drapion a fast Toxic Spikes user, which is very useful in setting up hazards before being Taunted, or using Taunt on defensive Pokemon becfore they can set up, such as Deoxys-D. <space>It also has the benefit of going first with Whirlwind, if facingit faces another phazer. <space>Knock Off can be useful to get rid of items as opposing Pokemon switch into Drapion. Rest is also nice to use if your team includes a cleric, such as Miltank or Shaymin. However, as this can be very risky, Wish support is another way to keep Drapion's health up. Earthquake can also be viable on this set, though it won't do much outside of hitting Fire-types, such as Arcanine, harder.</p>

<p>Togekiss makes a great partner, as it can switch into Ground-type attacks, and deals with with impunity and obliterate Steel-types with Fire Blast. Hitmontop is a problem for this set, as it has Intimidate, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, so having a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. AlsoFurthermore, a Sspin Bblocker such as Dusclops or Mismagius works well with Drapion, as it allows itDrapion to keep the hazards it sets up. Also, both PokemonDusclops and Mismagius can use Will-O-Wisp to weaken the opponent's Pokemon, makallowing Drapion to take even more hits.</p>

<p>With decent offensive stats, Drapion can pull off an attacking set to great effect. Pursuit is the main reason for an offensive Drapion, as it can nail Pokemon such as Deoxys-D for good damage as they switch out. Earthquake hits the Steel-type Pokemon, such as Bisharp and Empoleon super effectively, while Aqua Tail hits Ground-type and Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H and Nidoking. Finally, the last slot depends on what the team needs Drapion to accomplish. Crunch gives Drapion a solid STAB attack, which means it doesn't have to rely on Pursuit for STAB; however, Drapion can get at least one layer of Toxic Spikes before being forced to switch out, which is useful for breaking teams down, and—it also facilitates its teammates' sweeps. It can also be used to fake a defensive set, which might result in a surprise KO.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Sniper is the perreferred ability for offensive Drapion, as the increased critical hit ratio is useful when trying to sweep a team. Also, to ensure that a Drapion sweep is easier to accomplish, maximum aAttack and sSpeed are usmaximized to deal as much damage as possible. The choice of item should depend on the team. Choice Band is useful as it provides a greater power boost than Life Orb does, making it a great stallbreaker. However, Life Orb allows Drapion to switch moves, which works well on more offensive teams that try to hit the opponent as fast as possible. Taunt can be used on the Life Orb set to prevent opponents from inflicting status on Drapion, making a sweep easier.</p>

<p>However, bothBoth Drapion variants need support. Entry hazards help soften up the opposing team, making it easier for Drapion to nab KOs. Pokemon with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy, such as Clefable and Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as well, as they can cure Drapion of status inflicted by Pokemon such as Prankster Sableye. Hitmontop can be problematic too, as it has Intimidate to cut Drapion's Attack, as well as Rapid Spin to remove hazards, making. As such, a Deoxys-D or Mew to beat Hitmontop is useful. Milotic and Tangrowth are problems for this set.; therefore, Shaymin and Roserade therefore are great partners, as they can check Milotic, and Roserade has STAB Sludge Bomb to beat Tangrowth. Checks to Ground-type Pokemon, such as Suicune and Azumarill, who check Ground-type Pokemon are also helpful. Fire-type Pokemon such as Rotom-H also work well with Drapion, as they destroy Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble.

<p>With great offensive capabilities, Drapion can also pull off a Swords Dance set very efficiently. After a Swords Dance, Drapion hits 558 Attack, which is enough power to pull off a sweep. Crunch is a reliable STAB attack that has great coverage in the UU metagame, hitting the many Psychic-type and Ghost-type Pokemon in the tier super effectively. Earthquake has great coverage along with Crunch, as it eliminates the Steel-type Pokemon that resist Crunch, such as Bisharp. The last moveslot is up to what Drapion needs to accomplish. Aqua Tail hits Ground-type Pokemon such as Krookodile and Rhyperior hard, which is crucial as both of these Pokemon can OHKO Drapion. However, Taunt can stop opposing Pokemon, such as Bronzong, from setting up on Drapion, as well while avoiding status, which makes a Drapionits sweep easier.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>AsLike the physical attacker set, Sniper is the perreferred ability for Swords Dance Drapion, as the increased critical hit ratio is useful when trying to sweep a team, as well as maximum a. Again, Attack and sSpeed EVs are used tomaximized so Drapion can deal as much damage as possible. After a Swords Dance, Life Orb increases Drapion's damage output, which is useful when Drapion attempts a sweep.</p>

<p>Drapion becomes a great sweeper after a Swords Dance; however, it still needs support to make a sweep easier. A way to get rid of opposing Ground-type Pokemon, such as Flygon and Choice Scarf Krookodile, greatly benefits Drapion. As such, Suicune, Azumarill, Shaymin, and Roserade, all make good teammates. Roserade, in particular, can set up Spikes to soften up the opponent's team. Speaking of entry hazards, Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock also make great partners for Swords Dance Drapion. Bronzong is a great example, as it is immune to Ground-type attacks, and can set up Stealth Rock with relative ease. Fire-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-H, work well with Drapion too, as their STAB moves incinerate Steel-type Pokemon that give Drapion trouble. Pokemon with Heal Bell,Again, clerics such as Clefable or Lanturn, are a must for Drapion as wellnecessary, as they can heal Drapion of status, or. Alternatively, a Pokemon with Guts, such as Heracross, otr a resttalkResTalk user, such as Dusclops, can come in and absorb status thrown in Drapion's direction, e; Heracross gets a specially Heracross mention, as it can use the Guts boost to attackheavily damage the opponent, especially since Prankster Sabelye is very annoying to Drapion. Hitmontop also a promblem, so having a Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mew to check it is also a great teammate to have.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Drapion doesn't get many other viable options aside from those already listed. Poison Jab and Cross Poison are two Poison-type STAB attacks Drapion can use; however, Poison has very poor offensive coverage, and it doesn't help beat anything that Drapion's other attacks can't. Scope Lens can be used to abuse Sniper; this also makes Night Slash a viable alternative over Crunch. However, relying on critical hits isn't thatexactly a reliable a tactic. Acupressure can be used to raise a random stat by two stages, but Swords Dance is more reliable as it always raises Drapion's Attack. Air Balloon can be used to help remedy Drapion's lone weakness to Ground, but once it's popped, you'Drapion will be left without an itemless Drapion for the rest of the match. A Sleep Talk set can be used, especially since Drapion has no reliable way to heal itself, but Drapion isn't bulky enough to pull it off. Finally, a Choice Scarf can be used to turn Drapion into a revenge killer, but base 90 Attack generally isn't powerful enough.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Drapion has quite a few checks and counters it must usually run from. Ground-type Pokemon—especially Krookodile, who resists Drapion's Dark-type STAB—can easily OHKO Drapion with their STAB Ground-type attacks. However, Ground-type Pokemon should take caution when switching into offensive Drapion, as the right coverage move can deal a lot of damage to them. Steelix takes little damage even from Earthquake, and can either phaze Drapion out with Dragon Tail or Roar, or directly attack it with Earthquake. Rhyperior fears Aqua Tail, but can OHKO Drapion with Earthquake. Sableye can use Taunt to break down the defensive set or Will-O-Wisp to shut down offensive ones. Weezing and Spiritomb both take little damage from Drapion's attacks, and both can use Will-O-Wisp to burn Drapion. H; however, boththey must be wary of Taunt. Hitmontop can spin awayuse Rapid Spin to clear any hazards Drapion sets up, and has Intimidate to lower Drapion's Attack. Finally, Bronzong takes little damage from any attack, and can attack Drapion with either Earthquake or STAB Gyro Ball.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Keen Eye is useless on Drapion,; Battle Armor and Sniper are the superior abilities.</p>